Malcolm Hollingdrake

You could say that the writing was clearly on the wall for anyone born in a library that they might aspire to be an author but to get to that point Malcolm Hollingdrake has travelled a circuitous route.

Malcolm worked in education for many years, even teaching for a period in Cairo before he started writing, a challenge he had longed to tackle for more years than he cares to remember.

Photograph courtesy of Gary Barton

Malcolm has written a number of successful short stories and has nine books now available. Presently he is concentrating on a series of crime novels set in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.Born in Bradford and spending three years in Ripon, Malcolm has never lost his love for his home county, a passion that is reflected in the settings for all seven Bennett novels.Malcolm has enjoyed many hobbies including collecting works by Northern artists; the art auctions offer a degree of excitement when both buying and certainly when selling. It’s a hobby he has bestowed on DCI Cyril Bennett, the main character in his latest novel.

I am now working on the next Bennett novel while I also create a new crime seriesand yet I am still in search of a painting or two.

The Third Breath

Looking for a fast-paced crime thriller from a best-selling author? Then discover DCI Bennett today.

Hell's Gate

Only The Dead

Meet DCI Cyril Bennett, a man with a passion for manners and efficiency, as well as an eye for the ladies. His partner, DS David Owen, is naïve and untidy but keen. Together they make a formidable pair.

Take a Closer Look​

Photographs courtesy of Gary Barton & Tony Bithell

What readers say

“Crossed Out is a read that will have you gripped whilst racing through the pages. Set at a steady pace, things certainly hot up towards the end and left me feeling quite breathless. Cyril’s past is a welcome break in the story from the brutality of the murders which made it perfectly balanced. A great read and would even go as far as to say that Crossed Out is my new favourite in the series!”

Sarah Hardy5.0 out of 5 stars

I do recommend reading them all

“Wow and Wow again.
This has all the Hollingdrake traits I love for this series.
A woven plot that keeps you guessing.
Bennett and Owen are back and stronger than ever.
A new character that fits in perfectly.
Twisted crimes with enough detail, without information overload.
This series really does go from strength to strength and we find out a bit more about Bennett which is just what was required at this point of the series.
A faultless read, that I cannot recommend highly enough.
It works well as a stand alone, but you really do benefit from reading the previous books in this series.
Not a read to be devoured due to the devious nature and development of the storylines that Hollingdrake has brought us. But one to be savoured and read in as few a sittings as possible. This is one of my favourite three of the series.”

Alexina Golding5.0 out of 5 stars

Bookstormer

“I’m already a convert when it comes to Malcolm Hollingdrake’s work. Crossed out is the third book I’ve read by him. It’s the sixth in the DCI Bennett series and I’m gradually working my way through the collection in no particular order. It hasn’t spoilt my enjoyment as they can be read as stand-alone books. As far as mysterious crime thrillers go, this book has it all; a dead body turning up in a sinkhole, enigmatic numbered crosses tied to plastic bags containing dyed red hair, acid attacks, the list goes on and on. The author’s style in Crossed Out has all the clarity, intelligence, pace and tension that I’ve enjoyed in his other crime thrillers. Malcolm Hollingdrake has every right to feel extremely proud of his DCI Bennett series. I’m adding my five-star review to his scintillating constellation of 5-star reviews.”

Joy Mutter5.0 out of 5 stars

“Wow what a terrific read ‘Hell’s Gate’ is! The second book in the ‘DCI Cyril Bennett Harrogate Crime Series’ is thrilling and captivating and I love it.”

Caroline Vincent​Bits about Books

“The intricate details, as always clearly well researched and well executed in its entirety. A well structured and all too believable storyline, that at times (and there are many in this one) give you those ‘wow’ moments.”

Sarah KennyThe Great British Book Off

“I love the characters, the way the story built up. It’s so good to see Cyril back again. Malcolm Hollingdrake is one of my favourite authors.”

Livia SbarbaroGoodreads Reviewer

“The story is well told and the writing excellent. All of these points add up to making Game Point you can easily read in one sitting.”

Neats WilsonNurdish Mum

“There is no other way of describing Malcolm’s new book Dying Art except downright awesome, I am intrigued and compelled by the plotline to savour every moment of what is happening in the art world and in Bennett’s life.”

Diane HoggSweet Little Book Blog

“Again this another fantastic book in the DCI Bennett series from Malcolm Hollingdrake and I stand by my thoughts that the series has got better and better as it has progressed – this is hands down the best book in the series so far!!”